The Learning Component of the DCP

So, today I wanted to talk about the Learning Component of the Disney College Program. This is one of the 3 main aspects of the program that they stress to new applicants: Living, Learning, and Earning.

While on the College Program, you can take up to 2 classes in the Spring and Fall. These will run roughly the same dates as each other. For the summer, there are two terms (Summer I and Summer II). You can take two classes in one term, or one class in each. But during the summer, you can only take a maximum or two.

The types of classes offered are divided into three main categories. These being Collegiate, Seminar, and Professional Development.

Collegiate classes are ACE accredited, meaning they are real college classes you can take for a grade. Some schools will accept them for transfer credit! The topics range from Marketing to Leadership to Innovation and more. These will be 4 hours a week for 11 weeks.

Seminar classes are shorter in length and duration. There are no notes, no tests, no homework. Many of these seminar classes are comprised of guest speakers. They range from the history of Disney, to Marketing, to Guest Service and more. They are 2 hours a week for 8 weeks.

Professional Development classes are only offered to those whose major is directly applied to the course subject. The three listed on the website are Engineering, Entertainment Show Production, and Security. These are only offered during the Fall and Spring. Like seminar classes, they are 2 hours a week for 8 weeks.

During my Disney College Program, I plan on taking several classes. Registration opens up November 10th, which is coming up soon! I want to take the Human Resource Management collegiate class. My university will accept this for transfer credit, so it'll help me graduate on time! Also, I think HR is really super interesting. And, my suitemate Rebecca (a good friend from University of Alabama) wants to take it too!

I'm also planning on enrolling in Exploring Guest Service. They invite leaders in various departments of operations throughout the Walt Disney World Resort to speak on what guest service is in their department. It seems like a fantastic networking opportunity, and a great way to grow and impress as a cast member!

If an extension is possible, I'd like to take the Marketing You collegiate course. My school will also (probably) take this as a transfer credit, which will help graduate on time. Additionally, I think it would be great to take a Marketing course through Disney, considering that's one of my majors. I would probably be able to meet some influential people that way!

Finally, I'd like to take Exploring Disney Heritage in the summer if I can. Basically, this course dives into Walt's history, building Disneyland and Walt Disney World, taking tours and doing scavenger hunts. Everyone I've ever talked to who has taken it recommends it highly, so I absolutely want to if I can fit it in!

I will definitely update this when I'm able to register for classes!

For more information of the courses offered, or to see the syllabi, click here!

'Til next time!

Where Do I Want to Work?

I did some searching on Disney's website, and I have found some places I'd like to work at! These are just a sample, and I'm sure if I don't get placed in any of these (a very good chance), I'll still love my location! Still, a girl can dream, right?

Animal Kingdom

Chester and Hester's Dinosaur Treasures- It just looks so kitschy. In a good way! I don't think I would ever get bored here. There's so much detail going on inside.

Island Mercantile- I love the color scheme going on. It looks open, but also like there's lots of stuff to explore around.

Wild Cards (Resorts, Water Parks, etc.)

ESPN Clubhouse Shop- I love sports, so this would actually be perfect for me. Working at the Wide World of Sports would be so cool!

Zawadi Marketplace- So, Animal Kingdom Lodge was the resort my family went to the one time my parents absolutely spoiled us on a trip to Disney, so it'd be pretty cool to work there. *Side note. My interviewer this time around informed me that I was originally placed here for Spring 2014, which I ended up not being able to do. It'd be full circle, right?*

Downtown Disney

World of Disney- I mean, I get lost in there at the moment, so it'd be cool to learn where everything is, I guess? It's one of my favorite stores to go in though, just because they have so much.

Goofy's Candy Company- Even though it would involve working with food, I think this would be such a fun place to work. Goofy's is always on my list when I go to Downtown Disney as a guest!

The Lego Store- I think this one would be really cool, just because it's a bit different merchandise than a lot of what is sold in the parks, or most resort gift shops.

EPCOT

Mouse Gear-  The costumes don't look horrendous, and I like the idea of working in a big store. Keeps me busy!

Gateway Gifts- This looks like a nice, tucked-away type of store that would get super busy when it rains (it's right under/next to Spaceship Earth) but still spacious!

Magic Kingdom

Big Top Souvenirs- I actually really love the circus theme this shop has, and I think it'd be really cute to work here. Also, Fantasyland.

Mickey's Star Traders- I'm fairly certain this is the gift shop for Space Mountain. If so, this is one I'd like to work at. Space themed, and whatnot.

Hollywood Studios

Rock Around the Shop- The gift shop for Rock n' Roller Coaster. I want to listen to Aerosmith all day and see excited people coming off the ride.

Tower Hotel Gifts- Gift shop for Tower of Terror. Ugh, yes this is like everything I want. So classically themed, attached to one of the best rides in the park. Yep.

Wandering Oaken's Trading Post- If it's still around? I don't know if this is a seasonal thing, but I happened upon it with my parents on our recent trip and it's so cute. Oh lord, I can imagine so many tiny little Elsas and Annas. Presh.

Mickey's of Hollywood- I think this would have a very retro/vintage feel to it, and that sounds great to me! Plus, it's got a ton of merch centered around the Big Guy! Sounds exciting!

Top 5 Overall:

5) Goofy's Candy Company

4) Rock Around the Shop

3) ESPN Clubhouse Shop

2) Big Top Souvenirs

1) Tower Hotel Gifts

Got any other suggestions for me? Let me know in the comments!

'Til next time!

How the Spring 2015 Recruiting Season is Different than Previous Seasons

All right, here is how the Spring 2015 recruiting season is different than past seasons. Next season could be even crazier! Who really knows?

Applications:
Applications for Spring 2015 dropped August 20th. For the past few Spring recruiting seasons, they've been dropping the first week of September (around the 5th). This is 2 weeks earlier than in the past.

Submission:
More people were put into submission right off the bat. We don't necessarily know why, but additionally, many more were taken out of submission and put through to the WBI. In the end, combined with the earlier drop date of applications, far less people were left without a chance to take the WBI than in previous seasons.

Phone Interview:
During the phone interview, many people were not asked why they wanted to do the College Program. I was, so I cannot personally speak to this, but in previous seasons, everyone was asked this question.

During the phone interview, many applicants were asked which 2 roles they felt they were most qualified for. In previous seasons, everyone was asked which 3-5 roles they wanted to do the most.

During the phone interview, many people were asked about their language skills and whether they would be willing to take a language screening to determine if they could conversationally speak the language. If so, they would wear a pin with that language, so guests would know they can speak it. In past seasons, this question has not been brought up and it has been up to the CP's to seek out these language pins on their own.

During the phone interview, applicants were notified that the majority of hiring decisions would be made by mid-late October, and to be prepared to wait until then to get communications from Disney. In previous seasons, the general rule of thumb was if you hadn't heard anything within 3 weeks of your phone interview, you would call Recruiting and they would give you a status update.

After the Phone Interview:
The first acceptances would typically go out between 2-3 weeks after the first interviews. This season, I was included in the first "wave" of acceptances, which went out 11 days after the first phone interviews.

The first acceptances were typically people who had interviewed in the first couple of days. After that, it was relatively open. This time around, many people who interviewed in the first couple of days have not yet heard back. As I type this, it has been 5 weeks and 2 days since the first phone interviews.

After the phone interviews, the waves of acceptances that would go out were sizable and would happen maybe 2 times a week. This recruiting season, these waves are very small initially and occur almost every day. 2 people here, 20 people there, etc. from the Facebook group. More people than that are getting accepted obviously, but compared to normal waves from previous seasons where over 100 would find out, you get the picture.

These are just the differences I've seen. Have I missed any? Let me know!

'Til next time!

Hearing back from Disney?!

Step 5: Some Communication From Disney

After your phone interview, you will be considered "in progress". That is what your dashboard will read. Ultimately you can be placed into one of three statuses after this. NLIC, Pending, or Accepted!

NLIC- You can receive this e-mail anywhere from the night of your phone interview, up until the last day of decisions (usually 3-ish months after applications open). NLIC means "No Longer in Consideration". It means that unfortunately you are not being considered for the Disney College Program. It's a very nice denial letter.

This is what your dashboard will look like if you're NLIC'd.

If this happens to you, don't give up hope! Apply next season, and the one after that until you get in. If you're meant to be at Disney, you'll find a way!


Pending- This one is tricky. At its core, it means "Not yet". Disney hasn't accepted you, but they also haven't denied you. To me, this means that they see something in you. Enough that they want to keep you around. Either they are trying to pick which role would suit your skills and their needs best, or there's something stopping them from immediately accepting you, and they want to compare you to the rest of the applicants before making a final decision.

This is the e-mail you will receive if you are "pending". The date in the e-mail will be different depending on your season.

Pending e-mails can also come as soon as the day after your phone interview, and given the new way Disney is doing their application process, it can come weeks after your phone interview. Pending is NOT a death sentence. If you are pending, that means you are still in consideration, which means you still can be accepted!

While we don't know exactly what goes on at the Recruiting Offices, people who are pended are still accepted! So don't lose any hope. You're still in the running to become America's Next Top Model. Or Cast Member. Or something like that.


Accepted- Obviously this is the communication you want to receive most. Obviously, this means you in!

 This is what your dash will look like after accepting the offer!

And the glorious acceptance e-mail!

Depending on when you apply, I've seen people get their acceptance e-mail the day after their phone interview. I've also seen people have to wait until the last day to find out. After you receive this e-mail, freak out and call your parents and friends, and post it on the Facebook page, you can find out your offer! There's a link to a .pdf with your role and season.

Here's part of the acceptance .pdf!

You can accept the offer here as well. Within 7 days of accepting, you must pay program fees and select a move-in date! You can then find roommates, and look at classes to take at Disney U!

What's coming up? I'll talk about the differences between Spring 2015 recruiting and previous seasons!

'Til next time!

The Waiting Game

Step 4: Waiting

The waiting game is maybe the hardest part about the application process. From past experience, I know that seeing other people get accepted while you're waiting to hear back is absolutely agonizing.

The best you can do is take your mind off of it. For me, that meant painting lots and lots of things that all ended up being Disney themed. I paint Disney stuff to take my mind off of Disney stuff. Right.

Some of the shoes I painted for funsies while I waited to hear back from Disney.

Also painted these among others while waiting.

I also read a lot of Disney College Program blogs and watched DCP vlogs, to prepare myself in case I got in. I have a page where I list my favorite DCP vlogs and a page for my favorite DCP blogs if you'd like to read/watch some of them! They're just below my banner picture!

Before you know it, you'll have something sitting in your inbox or on your dashboard! This can be good, bad, or in between.

What coming up? I talk about finally hearing something from Disney!

'Til next time!

The Phone Interview

Step 3: The Phone Interview

If you've made it here, congrats! You're in the home stretch, baby.

This is what you'll see on your dashboard/your inbox!

Now, there are so many different ways to prepare for this phone interview. You should do whatever suits your personal style best. If you're the kind of person that likes to ignore things until the last minute and wing it because thinking about it gets you stressed, go ahead and do it live. If you're like me and you over-prepare for everything, study up on interview questions!

There are so many sites that have collected interview questions from past DCP phone interviews. You have a wealth of information at your fingertips- use it!

 After your phone interview, you will receive an e-mail late that night (no matter when your interview was, the e-mail will always come after the last interview of the day). This e-mail will say "thank you for interviewing, here's the general time-frame you can expect to hear back from us".

This is what it'll look like

For Spring 2015, that meant that most applicants will hear back by mid-late October, with the latest possible date being November 17th.

Tips: SMILE :)  I know everyone says it, but that's because it's true. When you smile, they can hear it in your voice. Cast Members are always smiling, so get a head start and do it too!

-If you're going to prepare some answers, don't recite them word for word during the interview. What I did, and seemed to work for me, was I wrote down some key phrases that I made sure I wanted to mention, and that would allow me to remember the important parts of the answer. From these phrases, I could have a full answer that was candid, but also contained what I thought was important to mention!

-If you want to request a work location, the phone interview is the only time to do so. If you really want to be an Attractions CP at the Great Movie Ride, make sure to say so in your phone interview! They can't guarantee anything, but will make a note of it in your file.


I also have a page where I discuss the types of questions you might find during a phone interview. To view it, click here! Or keep scrolling below for questions I've compiled from the internet.

What's coming up? I'll talk about the waiting game!

'Til next time!

RECRUITER NAME: _______________________

Preferred Roles:

Merchandise- High

Attractions-High

Vacation Planner- High

Hospitality- High

Character Attendant- Moderate

Recreation- Moderate

Concierge- Moderate

PhotoPass- Moderate

M.E. Ops.- Moderate

Costuming- Low

Lifeguarding- Low

QSFB- Low

BBB- Low

FSFB- Low

Character Performer- Low

Transportation- None

Bell Services- None

Custodial- None

Housekeeping- None

Hopper- None

Questions marked with a ** are questions I was asked during my interview.

GENERAL QUESTIONS:

**What are your Top 5 roles, and how are you qualified for them/why do you want them?

What are you most looking forward to?

Why should you be accepted into the program?

**Do you understand the Disney Look/do you follow it?

**Why do you want to work for Disney? Why Now?

**Would you prefer a group setting or individual work?

**Would you prefer a fast pace or slow pace?

**Would you prefer working indoors or outdoors?

Would you prefer working in warm environment or cool environment?

What would you look for in a CP applicant?

**What is the most difficult/best part of your current job?

3 words that your co-workers/managers might describe you as:

**How would you handle moving to Florida, leaving behind friends and family?

**Describe your previous job experience

Which part of Disney Housing is the most exciting to you?

Give 3 positive and 3 negative qualities about yourself.

How would you handle an emergency at the park?

**How would you help a guest that doesn’t speak your language?

**What was my favorite job and why?

If you’re doing repetitive tasks, how do you keep yourself interested?

**How do you feel about living with people of diverse cultural backgrounds?

Define good guest service.

What is your favorite part of Walt Disney World?

Describe a good memory/experience from your past work?

How would you deal with being interrupted multiple times?

SCENARIOS

Describe a magical moment you had while at Disney.

Describe a situation where you had to multi-task, how did it affect the end result?

What would you do if you’re helping a customer, and the phone rings?

**Have you ever been in a situation with a difficult person/boss? How did you handle it?

Describe a time when you made a customer’s day.

**Tell me about a time when you had to handle an emergency?

Tell me about a time when you were a team player?

**Tell me about a time when you had a huge task and how you were able to complete it.

Tell me about a time you had a conflict in the workplace and how you handled it.

ROLES

ATTRACTIONS

What would you do if you messed up your spiel?

Attractions is a role where you take control. How have you exhibited leadership in your life?

What would you do if a guest wanted to go on a ride, but it was out of service?

How would you feel about operating a ride?

How would you handle a 4yo who is too short to ride an attraction?

How would you handle someone who was scared to ride?

**How do you feel about speaking in front of people?

How do you feel about memorizing long scripts?

BELL SERVICES/DISPATCH

Are you willing and able to carry heavy (up to 50lbs) luggage (including overhead)?

Are you comfortable talking to guests on the phone?

Are you comfortable being the first CM that a guest interacts with on their vacation?

BIBBIDI BOBBIDI BOUTIQUE

Do you have any salon experience?

Do you have any childcare experience?

How would you react if a little girl was shy or scared?

Have you had experience doing makeup and hair?

CHARACTER ATTENDANT

How would you handle a child being rough with a character?

How would you define character integrity?

How would you handle a child being afraid of a character?

How would you turn guests away from a line because it is closed?

How would you say ___ has to leave?

What would you say if someone asked why fur characters don’t talk?

CONCIERGE

What do you think the duties of a concierge are?

Do you have any experience handling cash, including foreign currency, and travelers checks?

How do you feel about being trained on a computer system?

What do you expect when you stay at a Disney Resort?

COSTUMING

How do you feel about working a checkout system?

How do you feel about working at a job with little to no guest interaction?

Are you willing and able to carry heavy (up to 50lbs+) costumes to different locations?

Would you be comfortable working independently?

Are you willing to operate basic laundry equipment?

CUSTODIAL

Are you comfortable with emptying trashcans (which may include shooing bees or flies) and lifting heavy garbage bags?

Are you willing to bus tables in restaurants and outdoors?

Are you comfortable working for long periods of time outside in the heat, rain, or cold?

Have you ever had experience cleaning?  

Are you allergic to any chemicals, cleaning supplies, or latex?

Can you handle talking to multiple people and multi-tasking?

Can you handle working outside for up to 8 hours a day?

FSFB

**What would you do if a guest ever dropped their food?

How would you handle a guest/party that wants a specific table/location, not available?

How would you handle it if a guest has no reservation, but the restaurant is full?

What do you think the main responsibility of a seating hostess is?

Are you comfortable handling cash and using a register?

Are you willing to spend long periods of time rolling silverware and folding napkins?

Have you ever managed a seating chart, or are you willing to learn?

HOSPITALITY

How would you handle a guest wanting a non-smoking, pool view, but there are none available?

Would you be comfortable training on a computer reservation system?

**If a guest asks a question and you don’t know the answer, how can you help them?

**How would you act if you had an upset guest in your face?

Describe a time when you experienced great customer service.

HOUSEKEEPING

Are you comfortable working with cleaning chemicals?

How do you feel about working in a guest’s room while they are not there?

Are you able to work independently with little to no guest contact?

LIFEGUARD

Are you comfortable working for long periods of time in the Florida heat?

Are you willing to work in another role during off-peak seasons?

Are you comfortable with spending long periods of time standing in water?

What would you do in the event of a guest injury or illness?

Do you believe you are able to pass the swim test?

MAIN ENTRANCE OPS.

**How would you promote a good atmosphere?

Are you comfortable delivering long speeches on a microphone?

Are you willing to drive a large parking tram?

Are you willing to help with crowd control during parades and park openings?

MERCHANDISE

How would you deal with a challenging customer?

**What would you do if someone wanted an item, and your store was out of stock?

**How do you feel about handling money and making change?

What would you do if a guest wanted a specific item that you did not carry anywhere in your park?

You will have to be able to pin trade with customers, will you be comfortable with children touching your lanyard and asking to trade?

If your phone is ringing, you are checking a person out, and someone in the store needs help with an item… what do you do first, second, and last?

PHOTOPASS

Are you comfortable with operating digital cameras?

How do you feel about achieving monthly sales goals and suggesting products?

Are you comfortable working in several different parks, potentially all in the same week?

How do you feel about a guest refusing a picture?

QSFB

Are you comfortable preparing simple food items, which may include using a fryer, grill, or other cooking equipment?

Would you be willing to wash dishes or bus table?

Are you comfortable selling alcohol?

Are you able to multitask?

Are you comfortable handling cash and using a cash register?

How do you feel about working independently at a food cart?

RECREATION

Are you willing to train with watercraft, arcades, and other recreational facilities?

Do you believe you will be able to pass the swim test?

Are you willing to work in another role during the off-seasons?

How do you feel about working for long periods of time outdoors and around water?

TRANSPORTATION

Do you have a valid driver’s license?

 Are you comfortable memorizing and delivering long speeches?

Are you comfortable talking to other CM via radio?

Are you willing to help with crowd control during parades?

How do you feel about driving large vehicles (such as a monorail or bus) filled with guests?

VACATION PLANNER

**What do you think the duties of a vacation planner are?

**Are you comfortable handling large amounts of $$ and achieving sales goals?

How do you feel about working in multiple parks, potentially all 4 in one week?

Are you willing to help with crowd control during parades?

**Are you comfortable working with a computerized ticketing system offering over 128 possible combos?

How do you work while under pressure?

TIPS FOR PHONE INTERVIEW

Have enthusiasm, emphasize strengths
Smile! 
WRITE DOWN THEIR NAME AND ADDRESS THEM BY IT
Talk about teamwork
FOUR KEYS BASICS: Safety, Courtesy, Show, Efficiency

QUESTIONS TO ASK RECRUITER

How did you get your start with Disney?
Roughly how many hours per week would be the standard?
Of the classes offered at Disney, which would you recommend to take?
Can I make a request for work location?
What are you looking for in an ideal candidate for the Disney College Program?
Would you view the Disney College Program as a good way to network and prepare for the ‘real world?